2017
Diamond Anniversary Celebrations
Yes, this year our guild, Weavers of Orlando will be 75 years old. We started in 1942 with just a few ladies who loved weaving. We’ve come a long way in these 75 years.
We have an exciting year of celebrations planned.
We are having two exhibits to showcase our work this year, and we want you to be part of our Diamond Anniversary celebration.
Our first exhibit:
THREADS OF OUR LIVES:
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF WEAVING IN CENTRAL FLORIDA
This exhibit will be open June 24th thru October 8th 2017, at Orange County Regional History Center 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando Florida. Museum hours: Mon-Sat: 10a.m. Sun: noon-5p.m.
They are very excited to present our history and accomplishments. This exhibit is going to focus on our history and the history of weaving, from yesterday to today.The History Center is an affiliate museum of the Smithsonian Institution. They are also accredited by the American Association of Museums.
Our second exhibit will be in Eustis, Florida at the Lake Eustis Museum of Art in November. This will be a smaller venue but still a great one. More about this exhibit to come.
We’re planning a spectacular Anniversary luncheon celebration at Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida on November 18, 2017 to cap off the year of celebrations.
IN THE BEGINNING…..
AND HOW WE BECAME WEAVERS OF ORLANDO….
In 1931 a group of weavers in the Orlando area began meeting informally at each other’s homes to share a common interest in weaving. These ladies were: Mrs. Edith Arnold, Mrs. Elizabeth Burleigh, Miss Vivian Carr, Mrs. Claudia Cunningham, Mrs. Malcolm Frazer and Mrs. Lloyd Tucker. Word spread throughout the State of Florida about weavers in the Orlando area.
Word spread about weavers in the Orlando area and soon weavers from around the State began meeting with the group from Orlando in April 1937. The statewide group then formed our State Guild which was known as Tropical Weavers of Florida and eventually changed their name to what we know it as today, Florida Tropical Weavers Guild.
In 1942 The Orlando group separates, forming its own Guild to be called “ORLANDO TROPICAL WEAVERS GUILD”. The two Guilds met separately and together for many years. When meeting together they had an annual Conference called Florida Tropical Weavers Guild (FTWG) Conference. This annual Conference continues bringing weavers from across the State together to participate in workshops and share a common love of weaving and fiber interests.
In November 1983 the Orlando Tropical Weavers Guild officially changed its name to WEAVERS OF ORLANDO to mark their own distinct identity.
Since its founding in 1942 Weavers of Orlando has celebrated many milestones along the way.
- In 1992 the Guild celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a celebration luncheon in Winter Park.
- In 2016 Weavers of Orlando attained Non-Profit (501c3) status.
- 2017 marks the 75th Anniversary of Weavers of Orlando.
Weavers of Orlando has an active membership of almost 100 weavers, spinners, bead weavers, dyers, and fiber artists who continue to share their weaving knowledge at meetings, and workshops.
The Guild continues to educate the community about weaving and fiber arts at community events and schools in the local area.